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Hinduism Hinduism is the religion of the majority of people in India and Nepal (80% Hinduism and 20% Islam). There are 900 million practicing hindus today. Hinduism did not originate from one founder or figure. Hinduism doesn’t just have one sacred text, it has many. Hinduism doesn’t propose adoring just one god. Hindus may adore Shiva, Vishnu, Rama, Khrishna, or any of the thousands of gods and goddesses that are manifestations of Brahma, the supreme being/soul of the universe. Hinduism originated in the brahmanism of the aryans Brahmanism is the ancient religion of the Aryans. The Aryans were indo-european, nomadic tribes that left their lands of origin and traveled east to India around the year 1500 B.C.E. The Aryans lived in clans (groups) and shepherded cattle, sheep, and goats. They were warriors who rode wheeled war carriages pulled by horses. They fought with long bows, arrows, and axes made of bronze. Aryan Invasions When the Aryans arrived through the Khyber Pass in the Hindu Kush Mountains, the ancient civilizations of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were already in ruins. The Aryans arrived in India gradually. The Aryan religion (Brahmanism) and the Aryan language (Sanskrit) spread. A mixed or blended culture began. The Caste System The 3 Aryan social classes became castes. A caste is a social class whose members are identified by the work they perform. The workers were organized into 4 categories: Brahmins: priests, scholars, teachers Kshatriyas: leaders, nobles, warriors Vaisya: bankers, merchants, and farmers Shudra: artisans and laborers The Untouchables were considered so inferior that they were not even considered a caste. The Castes Brahmanism Aryan priests were called brahmins. The Aryans adored many different nature gods. They made sacrifices in honor of those gods. They conducted ceremonies, rituals, and sang hymns. The Aryan hymns are found in ancient texts written in the Sanskrit language. These texts are called Vedas. A Supreme Being Hindus believe that the qualities and forms of that supreme being are represented by a multitude of gods that originate from that supreme being. This Supreme Power, or divine force, called Brahman is present in all creatures. Everything in the world is part of Brahman, including the soul, or atman. This Supreme Being is constantly changing. This Supreme Being is responsible for creation, protection, and destruction of the world. The three most important deities, or trimurti, represent the responsibilities of this Supreme Being. Brahma, the First Deity of the Triumvirate Brahma is the first god of this triumvirate. Brahma’s responsibility is to create the world and all its creatures. Brahma is one of the least adored Hindu gods, There are only 2 temples in all India dedicated to Brahma. Brahma has 4 heads, 4 arms, and a beard. Brahma’s wife is the Goddess Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge. The Second God of the Triumvirate: Vishnu Vishnu preserves or protects the universe. Vishnu returns to Earth during difficult times and restores the balance between good and evil. Vishnu has “appeared” or manifested 9 times. Hindus believe that Vishnu will re-manifest or reincarnate one more time before the end of the world. Vishnu is associated with light and the sun, and is considered one of the most important gods. Vishnu has human form, blue skin, and 4 arms. His hands carry objects: a shell, a disc, a lotus flower, and a mace. Lakshimi, his partner, is the Goddess of Riches and Fertility. Shiva, the Destructor Third God of the Triumvirate Shiva’s role is to destroy the universe and to re-create it again. Shiva opens the path to positive change. Shiva is the source of good and evil. Shiva has extreme behaviors. Shiva’s wife is the Goddess Parvati (Gauri), and his son is Ganesh, the God of Wisdom and Remover of Obstacles. Shiva has a blue face and white body. He also has a third eye, a cobra collar, a trident, and a vibhuti=three lines on his forehead. Reincarnation= many lives Hindus believe in reincarnation which signifies that a person has many lives. What a person does in each life determines what that person will be in the next life. This is called “karma.” Reincarnation is a repetitive cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth. This cycle is called “samsara.” The cycle of reincarnation ends when one achieves a mystical reunion with Brahman, the supreme force in the universe. The Path to God Each person’s path has to do with that person’s dharma (law, obligation, and duty). These duties involved a type of work, i.e. warrior, shepherd, merchant. Hindus believe that when everyone follows their dharma, society will be in harmony. Hinduism values marriage, sharing food with others, and caring for one’s soul. Another value is nonviolence. Ways to unite with Brahman: behave correctly, perform social duties, go on pilgrimages, meditate, perform breathing exercises, do yoga.